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The home of South Australian textiles artist Hellen Bakhoff, exhibiting her work and that by other artists near and far.

Previous Exhibition...

Ephemeral BeautyFrom 29th April 2017 - 29th May 2017

A new exhibition of luscious floral paintings by Hellen Bakhoff, Jane Forte, Tania Lovering and Jo-Anne Siemienowicz. All artists are recent graduates of the Blooms, MMFA programme taught by Jacqueline Coates of Kapunda, South Australia

Hellen sought to expand her artistic vocabulary and was drawn to the ‘Blooms’ workshop as an expression of her love of roses, cottage garden flowers and the joy of nature generally.

She “learnt to draw looking through a microscope in biology lessons” so a attention to detail in a photorealism style of painting attracted her. However, the subtle and energetic representation of light and colour in impressionist work delights Hellen’s eye. Her recent work is moving towards a new sense of freedom and adventure into colour, inspired by Medieval jewels and rich fabrics. Hellen seeks the hidden of depths and romance beyond the surface beauty of the blooms she paints.

Jane Forte grew up inspired by the backdrop of my French Grandmothers garden. She lived in New Zealand, and was a force of nature herself, having created the most beautiful perfumed ‘jardin’ that sprawled elegantly around her home.Her work is a collection of sumptuous roses, in a palette that explores the bold beautiful colours of nature and the subtle colour caught in shadows. From lavender greys to golden hued earth tones, palest nude pinks to shots of fuscia and scarlet. There are always surprises in the garden and in the folds of the petals which continue to lead me down the garden path and delight her.​

Tania Loveringgrew up in country and central Queensland, recently moved from the Perth Hills, and soon to move to the Adelaide Hills. The beauty of nature has always played a part in where I live and what I paint.

‘I have immersed myself in painting beautiful blooms because I love their contrast - their soft, translucent petals curving around dark, moody shadows, light and dark, soft and heavy - flowers draw you in and give you a moment, just for yourself. They can evoke emotion and contemplation. What a gift’

Jo-Ann Siemienowicz is a new and upcoming artist having taken up painting only in the last two years. She is no stranger to the arts previously being involved with textiles and silver smithing over a long period of time. Her interest in painting stems from her want to be able to express herself and accept a new challenge.

She has been tutored by Jacqueline Coates and this is her first exhibition. In these paintings she draws inspiration from Nikolai Blokhin in using jewel like colours, the use of soft edges and unfinessed and fresh form in her paintings of flowers from her garden.